'Twas the night before signing day, when all through the Burton Complex
Not a creature was stirring, not even a Modeste;
The NLIs were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that Tyler P and Sakiri soon would be signing;
The current players were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of new recruits joining them danced in their heads;
And Randy in his pullover and Corey in his cap,
Had just settled down for a restless nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
Randy sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window he flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of new recruits below,
When, what to his wondering eyes should appear,
But a fax machine humming with eight signed letters,
With a little driver, so lively and quick,
He knew in a moment it must be Mick Bell.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Yates! now, Walker! now, Tracey and Turner!
On, Hardy! on Speight! on, McLean and Anthony!
To the top of the Rent! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
And then, in a twinkling, he heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of McFadden’s hoof.
As he drew in his hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney Cross came with a bound.
Across campus, all heard him exclaim, as HCRE moved out of sight,
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!